Charcoal Tandoor Grill&Mixology

Bangkok Foodies Review – Charcoal

Like other people in Bangkok I had too spoken to, I had my reservations about dining at Charcoal, not because the food didn’t appear delicious, maybe it was a combination of the media hype combined with the supremely polished industrial Indian (yet stunning) environment which we’re so unfamiliar with or possibly the mortal fear that this snazzy new restaurant would be destined to become another model’s night.

Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology #bangkokfoodies

Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology #bangkokfoodies

 But there’s nothing more I like to be proven is wrong, especially when it comes to food and drink. The restaurant was practically empty at 7pm, a striking contrast to the grand opening where the room was full of well-dressed guests determined on getting pissed on the owners tab, yes present company included. It wasn’t long however that the room started to fill quite nicely for a Monday night, with Indian families, Indian groups and non-Indian locals, some tourists and a couple on a date, all positive sign.

 

The waiters dressed in smart red suits ornamented by a chequered cloth, the same cloth offered to guests as bibs. They brought each cocktail over and with knowledge and enthusiasm retold the mixology in detail. The NEW DELHI DUTY FREE cocktail with Bacardi, mango, Indian chili, honey tea, lime delivered in a duty free bag was complex and refreshing, although a novel idea, one wonders how many grubby hands the bag passed through it’s journey. But the superior of the many I tried were 1947: INDEPENDENCE with Grey Goose, mace, clove, hibiscus syrup, dressed with pomegranate and frothed egg white. and the customize-yourself MAHARAJA MAI TAI. I’m carrying on about the drinks here as we discovered the mixology at Charcoal is just as significant and explored as the food.

The mind and taste buds continued to be blown by a few of Charcoal signature dishes, namely the MURGH MALAI KABAB 400THB, where the fat and juicy chunks of boneless chicken blended with cream cheese, yogurt, spices and garnished with coriander were pure bites of oral ecstasy. The TANDOORI MALAI BROCCOLI 330THB, florets of broccoli marinated in yogurt, cream, malt vinegar, topped with melted cheese is a dish so delicately and lovingly cooked it would take any Non-Vegetarian to Nirvana.

Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology #bangkokfoodies

Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology #bangkokfoodies

The PANEER TIKKA 330THB appears to be a hit among the diners, we loved it although better shared among 3 or more people as the paneer cheese tend to become one dimensional. And to complete a spectacular spread, you must order one of their grand sized, piping hot Naans 100THB with the rich and decadent DAL CHARCOAL 200THB.

Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology #bangkokfoodies

Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology #bangkokfoodies

 Here you will find no turbans, or woven rugs or hyperactive Bollywood music, neither are there Samoas or bottled lassis, I mean… there aren’t even any of the ubiquitous Indian curries! All that may appear to be lacking is present in finer details and for those who appreciate them. The Charcoal team have created a unique contemporary Indian dining experience, everything down to the copper menu board and cocktail tin cups are custom made and meticulously sourced. Best of all, the cuisine still reflect all the richness and beauty in Indian culture, it’s colourful, it’s intense and it has the potential to be seriously romantic.

Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology
38/8 Sukhumvit 11 Rd., Fraser Suites Hotel, 5th Fl.
10110 Bangkok
Tel: 089 307 1111
Opening Hours: Everyday 6pm to midnight